1974 GMC Suburban vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1974 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 GMC Suburban weights approximately 970 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1974 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 GMC Suburban (243 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 GMC Suburban | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2510 mm |
